Oman Signs Artemis Accords with US: What This Means for Space Industry Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has officially signed the Artemis Accords with the United States, coinciding with the opening of the 2nd Middle East Space Conference in Muscat on January 26, 2026.
The agreement was signed by Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, alongside the U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Ana A. Escrogima.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Escrogima highlighted the importance of the Artemis Accords, stating, “The Artemis Accords provide a practical framework that supports collaboration, investment, and responsible activity in a rapidly evolving domain. This signing marks a deepening of cooperation between our countries, both at the government level and within the private sector.”
She further emphasized the growing bilateral engagement in space, noting, “For the first time, the space sector played a central role in our strategic dialogue yesterday, as Oman and the United States explored the vast potential for cooperation in space. Looking ahead, we are genuinely excited about what this partnership can achieve. Investment in space increasingly drives economic growth, innovation, and human development. Oman’s ambitions in this field align well with American expertise in entrepreneurship.”
According to officials from the Ministry, the agreement seeks to enhance collaboration in the peaceful exploration of space, regulate partnerships concerning lunar missions, support future Mars expeditions, and establish joint frameworks for civil space activities.
Earlier at the conference, Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, described the signing as “further evidence” of Oman’s strategic space ambitions.
From the U.S. space agency, Casey Swails, NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator, remarked that Oman’s accession to the Artemis Accords bolsters prospects for deeper civil space cooperation and long-term technological partnerships as NASA advances its lunar mission program.
“Oman signing the Artemis Accords is significant,” Swails said. “We share values and ambitions. With the strong and longstanding partnership between the United States and Oman, the potential for our space collaborations is exciting—and we’re just getting started.” He added that the Artemis program represents more than returning to the Moon; it is about sustained presence and technological innovation, as preparations continue for Artemis 2.
This landmark agreement marks a key milestone in Oman’s expanding role in the global space community and underscores its commitment to peaceful space exploration.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s signing of the Artemis Accords with the United States marks a strategic leap into the emerging space economy, positioning the Sultanate as a key regional player in space exploration and technology development. For businesses, this creates new opportunities in aerospace innovation, technology partnerships, and knowledge transfer, while smart investors should now consider backing ventures aligned with the space sector’s growth, anticipating government and global collaborations. However, companies must also navigate the complexities of international space regulations and evolving geopolitical dynamics as Oman deepens its footprint in this high-tech frontier.
